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Tried & Tested - September/October 2016

How Irish Association of Health Stores staff rate what they sell...

Nature’s Options in Newbridge, Co Kildare

Owner/manager Bernie Gaffney, senior sales assistant Lillian Mahon and sales assistant Amy Conlon review organic coffee, natural hair dye, coconut oil, menopause and joint support products:

1. JOINT SUPPORT

Lillian says: “I like Zincuflex. It’s an excellent anti-inflammatory and you don’t get an upset stomach. I started taking it for pain and stiffness in my back and foot – it worked a treat within only a week.”

2. ECO WASHING

Bernie says: “I use Ecover Non Bio Laundry Liquid (Zero). It’s tough on stains with a gentle fragrance and gives brilliant washing results on colours and whites.”

3. FISH OIL SUPPLEMENT

Amy says: “Just one 5ml teaspoon of Eskimo-3 oil liquid daily supplies all the essential fatty acids that the body needs for healthy circulation and heart health with no fishy aftertaste.”

4. COCONUT OIL

Lillian says: “Biona Coconut Oil is a healthy, cholesterol-free oil which can be used for frying, baking and can also be used for moisturising the skin. I also use it as a gentle make-up remover.”

5. MENOPAUSE SUPPORT

Bernie says: “I can recommend A.Vogel Menoforce Sage tablets for the relief of menopausal hot flushes and night sweats.”

6. ORGANIC COFFEE

Amy says: “I like Clipper Organic Coffee because it tastes so good. It is Fairtrade too. Highly recommended.”

7. NATURAL HAIR COLOUR

Bernie says: “The Naturtint range of permanent hair colours are free from amonia and parabens.These are available in 32 shades, and have a colour to suit everyone. A good product.”

Nice and Natural in Cootehill, Co Cavan

Manager Dorothy Browne, sales assistants Catherine Hannigan and Geraldine Higgins and sports massage therapist Tony McMahon review an aromatherapy roller ball, multivitamin, organic tea, coconut oil and nerve support:

1. CHOLESTEROL SUPPORT

Dorothy says: “When I found that my cholesterol had risen from 4.2 to 6.3 in 11 months, I started taking Zerochol. with a simple change in diet and lifestyle plus two Zerochol tablets daily, my cholesterol soon returned to normal. Zerochol is a 100% natural dietary supplement containing plant sterols.”

2. NERVE SUPPORT

Geraldine says: “Higher Nature Balance for Nerves really does have an effect on those days when you need some calm. With a special formulation of vitamins, amino acids and magnesium to support the nervous system and mind, it’s like getting a massage from inside out.”

3. ORGANIC TEA

Catherine says: “Heath and Heather Slim-Mate Tea is the tastiest herbal tea I have ever tried. It has a full-bodied warming flavour, with fennel, spearmint and orange peel combining beautifully. I could drink it all day.”

4. MULTIVITAMIN

Dorothy says: “Solo Nutrition MultiFifty has a complete A-Z formulation of 50 essential multi-nutrients to help energise and support your body. With 50mg of co-enzyme Q10, for extra energy, I find these multivitamins ideal for a busy hectic life.”

5. AROMATHERAPY ROLLER BALL

Catherine says: “When your mind won’t switch off from the day, and you are tired and restless, using the Tisserand Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Roller Ball will gently soothe you into sleep. With soothing lavender, comforting sandalwood and relaxing jasmine, it has the most amazing aroma.”

6. COCONUT OIL

Dorothy says: “Biona Coconut Oil Cuisine is a brilliant all-rounder. I have one jar in the kitchen to use for cooking and one in the bathroom to use as a moisturiser for my hair, elbows, hands and feet. It is super for brittle nails and dry skin patches.”

7. SKIN CREAM

Catherine says: “I have been using Jason Natural C Effects on my face for a while now, and I am delighted with the results. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, and I have an overall brighter complexion.”

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